parent & camper FAQ’s
You probably have a ton of questions about camp. There is a lot to learn! Hopefully these questions and answers will help you as you prepare for the summer.
Already registered? Check out our Parent Guide for a comprehensive look at everything you need to know for summer!
Choosing the Right Camp
Like many of the best things in life, camp takes time. We can confidently tell you that the more time you give camp, the better experience it will be. Developing confidence in a new environment doesn’t happen overnight, and longer sessions give children more time to grow independence, build self-esteem, and have a more rewarding camp experience. Many of our camp families can confirm this.
That being said, we offer one, two, and three week sessions because we want you to choose the session length that is best for your family. The majority of our one-week sessions are for campers finishing 3rd grade or younger. One week of camp is a wonderful way to get your child acclimated to being away from home and gaining independence. However, we believe that after graduating 2nd grade, most campers are ready for a longer session. Staying at camp for more than one week allows real growth opportunities to occur after your camper is acclimated. Longer summer camp sessions really allow for the development of a tight-knit community which campers feel deeply connected to and a sense of being a member and belonging.
The camp director is the head of camp. He / She is ultimately responsible for the safety of our campers, the quality of our programming and is the lead contact in camp’s partnership with parents in raising their children.
The main purpose of the ACA accreditation program is to educate camp owners and directors in the administration of key aspects of camp operation, particularly those related to program quality and the health and safety of campers and staff. The standards establish guidelines for needed policies, procedures, and practices. The camp is responsible for ongoing implementation of these policies. ACA accreditation assists parents in selecting camps that meet industry-accepted and government-recognized standards.
We strive to provide the best possible experience for your child.
While we have a very high average 4:1 camper to counselor ratio, we vary the ratio to reflect the age of the campers. For 2nd graders, we have a lower ratio (closer to 3:1) to reflect their greater needs. Older campers, like 8th graders, will have a ratio closer to 5:1 or 6:1.
On most days at camp, your camper will have activities! There are 6 activity periods in a day, so one period might be wake boarding on Lake LBJ and the next could be climbing the wall and flying down the zip line. We have over 40 different activities so your camper can try a new one each day. We also have our Trojan Spartan Games once a week, where all of camp is divided into two teams and compete in various games.
Evening activities are tons of fun, including dances, movie night, big group games, parties, and Fishin’ Nights. To finish each day, boys gather at the Coliseum and girls gather at the Forum for Torchlight, a time of singing, skits, and acting goofy. At every Torchlight, we honor the Torchlighter of the Day, the highest honor at Camp Champions.
Health and Safety
We always have nurses on camp. Full time nurses and student nurses live on camp property and are always available. Doctors also visit every other day to provide additional care when needed.
Camp Champions has a best-in-class training program that covers physical and emotional safety. All counselors complete intensive training before campers arrive each year.
Counselors are trained to watch for and safely manage sleepwalking. If your child sleepwalks frequently, a bottom bunk can be requested.
We treat bed wetting sensitively and discreetly. Counselors avoid drawing attention, sheets are cleaned while campers are at activities, and the day continues normally. Bottom bunks can be requested.
We accomodate most dietary restrictions. No peanut or tree nut products are used in our kitchen. Vegetarian, dairy-free, and gluten-free options are available. Vegan diets are possible but not specifically supported. All dietary needs should be listed on health forms.
All allergies must be clearly listed on the application so we can prepare appropriately and keep your child safe.
Yes. All medications must be reported to the nurse’s office and provided in the original packaging with perscription. Medication is stored in the Nest and administered by nurses. Camp is not the time to change or pause medications.
Yes. Many campers take medication for ADD or ADHD, which is administered by camp nurses as a part of normal medical care
Preparing For Camp
We do not allow phones, video games, or internet-capable devices. Personal music players without video or internet are allowed. This creates a technology-free environment where kids can fully engage and build relationships.
Car — Most camp families bring their children to camp by car on opening day.
Airplane — Campers may fly in to Austin or San Antonio, with airport pickup available for an additional fee if transportation forms are completed at least 30 days in advance.
A complete summer packing list is available on our website.
Yes. Camp Champins gear can be purchased through our camp store, Kneeman Markus.
Cabins are assigned based on age, term length, and group dynamics. Cabin-mate requests can be submitted through CampInTouch more than 30 days before camp begins.
Campers typically use a trunk or footlocker no taller than 13.5 inches so it fits under the bunk. Specific recommended models are available through EverythingSummerCamp.com
Staying in Touch
Parents are encouraged to write letters or send emails through CampInTouch, which are printed and delivered daily.
We use the Campanion app to share photos, updates, and daily micro-blogs from the director.
To encourage independence, campers do not have phone calls or visits until the final day of camp.
Parents may call the camp office anytime to check in. If any issues arise, the camp will contact parents directly.
Packages are not allowed, except for birthday packages. Forgotten essential items can be arranged through the camp office.
Fees and Policies
All activities and programming are included. Optional add-ons include spirit packs, Campanion app access, and airport transportation.
Refunds are issued based on how far in advance cancellation occurs. Deposits become non-refundable after February 1st, with limited rollover options.
Campers use the Champ system to buy merchandise from the camp store. No cash is needed.
Each camper receives one pair of shorts and two t-shirts, primarily for photos and special events.
Laundry is done weekly for campers staying longer than one week. Items should be clearly labeled.
New Camper Questions
Campers participate in six daily activity periods, choosing from over 40 activities, plus weekly Trojan Spartan Games.
Evenings include dances, games, parties, and Torchlight ceremonies recognizing outstanding campers.
Cabins house 8-12 campers of the completed grade with 2-3 counselors and include bunks, storage space, and fans.
Counselors are college-aged role models from aorund the world who are trained, enthusiastic, and committed to camper care.
Campers are expected to participate in activities, follow rules, keep personal spaces tidy, and contribute to the community.
Meals include a wide variety of kid-friendly options, salad bars, fresh fruit, and accommodations for dietary needs. We are a nut free camp.
Campers should talk to counselors first, then division leaders or directors if needed.
Older campers (Lettermen, Midis, Aquanauts, and Maxis) choose activities daily, while younger campers follow a cabin-based schedule.
Yes. Some activities have minimum grade requirements to ensure safety.
No. Campers may not bring electronics, food, or money. Approved music players without internet are allowed.
Campers may request a cabinmate that is in the same completed grade, here for the same length terms, and is mutually requested.
Yes. Feeling nervous is normal, and counselors and staff are dedicated to helping every camper feel comfortable and supported.
Yes, go to Kneemanmarkus.com to add more champs.
Go to campchampions.com ,and click on the yellow “register online” button on the top left corner to create an account and register your camper.